Sequence analysis of the PrP protein from two species of antelope susceptible to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.

The sequence of the coding regions of the PrP genes of the Arabian oryx and greater kudu have been determined and compared with the related sheep and bovine PrP gene sequences. The oryx gene sequence was found to be very closely related to that of the sheep, encoding just one amino acid difference. The greater kudu gene sequence was found to be more closely related to the bovine, encoding four amino acid differences. The possible influence that the gene sequences have on the transmission of spongiform encephalopathy to these antelope species is discussed.